Benton Park Neighborhood Association General Assembly Meeting Minutes - November 4th, 2025 Benton Park Neighborhood Association
Benton Park Neighborhood Association Meeting Minutes
Date: Tuesday, November 4, 2025
Time: Meeting called to order at 7:06 PM
Location: 2911 McNair Ave, St. Louis, MO 63118
Presiding: Lori White
1. Welcome – Lori White (5 min)
Meeting opened with introductions of new members:
A couple (names not audible)
Tracy from Salena Street – favorite color is green
Brock Davis – recently moved back to the neighborhood; his family has lived in Benton Park for 40 years
2. Old Business
Approval of Prior Month’s Minutes:
Minutes were approved by a unanimous voice vote of “I.”
A QR code for the prior minutes was provided.
3. Alderman Report – Jami Cox Antwi
Citywide Updates:
The City has begun winter planning and released an official snow plan.
Temporary driver wages have been increased for plowing operations.
The City purchased 15,000 tons of salt for winter use.
Arterial streets will be prioritized for plowing; truck availability remains limited.
The City will allocate $3.7 million to additional housing and shelter openings for winter, as well as tornado relief efforts.
Legislation:
BB62 (Golf Carts) passed. Ald. Cox Antwi voted no due to concerns with how the bill was written, but it passed regardless. Ald. Cara Spencer is expected to sign it into law.
Community Updates:
Ald. Cox Antwi is planning more traffic calming measures, including a speed hump on Victor Street.
She is organizing an 8th Ward meeting and a joint resource fair with 7th Ward Alderperson Sonnier.
Residents can subscribe to her newsletter via her website or Instagram for updates.
Questions & Answers:
Q: Will winter assistance funds be permanent?
A: No.Q: Any reports of gunfire or updates on her car break-in?
A: No.Q: Is it illegal to pick from garbage/recycling bins?
A: Yes – per Ordinance 64116, scavenging is prohibited.
4. Neighborhood Improvement Specialist – Dr. Ketosha Harris
Encampments:
Encampments continue to appear citywide. Reports are sent to Homeless Services, who deploy outreach teams (BHR and others).
Outreach workers record names, times, and locations, and coordinate with MODOT if near highways.
The City and MODOT are working on strategies to close encampments safely.
Nuisance Properties:
Issues may include criminal activity, drugs, firearms, or poor property maintenance.
Residents should call the non-emergency number and describe the issue in detail.
If you have video evidence, mention that it’s a nuisance property.
Anonymous reporting is available.
Collaboration among neighbors strengthens cases.
Multiple service calls are necessary for a property to be designated a nuisance.
Reference:
Questions & Clarifications:
Q: Why doesn’t the City clear brush that enables encampments?
A: This requires coordination between Homeless Services and MODOT.Q: Why are CSB streetlight reports failing?
A: Dr. Harris contacted Ameren and received a reference number. Instead of filing duplicate requests, residents should forward details to her directly.Ald. Cox Antwi: Report repairs only once, but nuisance properties should be reported as often as possible.
5. New Business
Committee Reports
Friends of Benton Park:
Installed 135 native plants at Jefferson & Arsenal Garden via a Brightside grant.
Seeking watering volunteers for spring/summer 2026.
Received a $25,000 grant from the MO Department of Conservation for tree work (removal of 7 dead trees).
Working with a specialist to remove invasive species; the garden is now a certified volunteer site.
Planning to launch memberships at the Holiday Party.
Ongoing discussions with the Parks Department regarding comfort station safety.
The grotto was broken into, but the area has been cleaned up.
Safety Committee:
National Night Out held the first Tuesday in October.
Mardi Gras Party: Friday, February 13th, 6 PM at Small Change STL.
Will have a Holiday Party booth for CID information.
Building Review:
No report.
Garden & Cave Committee:
Current chair will complete his term next year and prepare an operational manual for succession.
Will continue overseeing the cave project, including a fundraiser to expand Hole #3 for robotic exploration.
Goal: $14,000, currently raised just under $5,000.
Handouts available for those interested in supporting.
Monthly Social – Kimber:
Final social of the month held tonight at Saturn Lounge.
Events Committee:
Gratitude extended to all who participated in Tunes on Tap and Trunk or Treat.
Next major event: Holiday Party at Bluewood Brewing.
No golf cart parade this year.
Will feature pictures with Santa.
Volunteers needed.
Melissa Bean: Contacted 99 businesses for raffle prizes; still seeking additional outreach.
For details or to assist, email the Events Committee.
6. Guest Speakers
Cammie Thomas – Tornado Relief Update
Following the May 16th tornado, community response was strong, with several local hubs providing assistance.
Many affected residents still lack stable housing and basic needs.
Action STL continues to host People Response Fellowship meetings (weekly/biweekly).
Next meeting: November 15th.
Contact: camicruzthomas@gmail.com | Instagram: @camicruzthomas
Website: actionstl.org
Erin S. & Jennifer Cork – The Academy of Therapeutic Esthetics and Massage (“A-Team”)
Recently opened a massage and esthetics school in LaSalle Park.
Hosting Experience Day every Sunday through the end of the year to showcase programs and techniques.
Their mission is to increase diversity in the field of physical therapy.
Seeking volunteers, donors, and Amazon Wishlist contributions.
Offering membership programs that allow members to share or transfer wellness services.
Website: ateamstl.com | About
7. Announcements
The neighborhood is hosting a Canned Food Drive – details available on the BPNA website and social media.
8. Adjournment
Meeting adjourned at 8:13 PM.